"Cannabis can be an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions," said OPSEU president Warren "Smokey" Thomas.

"And as the laws around it continue to modernize, employers should keep up with the times."

Under the new benefit, insured employees and their spouses and dependants can claim up to $3,000 a year for medical marijuana. To be eligible, claims must come in the form of prescriptions from licensed physicians, and the cannabis must be obtained legally from organizations that are authorized to produce and sell medical marijuana.

There is no set limit on the medical conditions eligible for medical cannabis coverage under the new benefit.